Across the world, cities are changing rapidly
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Cities are growing...
In 1900, 16 cities had more than one million inhabitants. London, New York, Paris, Berlin, Tokyo and Chicago were the six most populated cities in the world.
In 1997, 320 cities were above one million, including 168 in developing countries.
...and become megacities...
By 2025, Mumbay, Tokyo, Shanghai, Karachi, Sao Paulo, Manila, Mexico city, New York, Lagos, Jakarta, Bangkok, Beijing & New Delhi will be among the most populated cities with 12 million inhabitants or more each.
(Source : UNO)
...invading!
Changes in world's populuation
(sources J.N. Biraben and ONU)
In 2008, half the world's population, that is three billion people, will live within cities.
Cities and their suburbs will have to grow, conquering land today dedicated to crops or forests.
Chain reactions...
When more and more people cram up into cities, solutions have to be found for the well being of all.
This means:
- increasing housing supply,
- adapting old city districts to modern traffic,
- satisfying increasing demands for energy, drinking water, treating wastewater and waste,
- developing public transport solutions.
A lot of complex issues!
Let's think!
Why do cities grow so much?
Ask adults around you about what they would like to do to contribute towards a better environment. Aand ask children your age.
What are the differences?
